UCLA players embracing the start of their last run together

UCLA guards Tyger Campbell, Jaime Jaquez and David Singleton have been playing together for years now. But as they enter the 2023 NCAA Tournament, they know this will be their final time playing together for the Bruins.

They’ve accomplished a lot in their four years as teammates. They made a shocking and memorable run to the 2021 Final Four as a No. 11 seed. They’ve helped UCLA to its first Pac-12 regular season title in a decade. They’ve helped Mick Cronin build the program in his imagine.

Now, they are living in the moment to enjoy every last second of basketball that they can.

“We’ve talked about it,” Jaquez said at the team’s Selection Sunday press conference. “We’ve acknowledged it. I know us three have had a lot of conversations about this being our last year together and just embracing it. This is a one final chance to make something happen. Our backs are against the wall right now we feel like. But we’re embracing. We will take everything that comes with it.”

The Bruins are the No. 2 seed in the West Region, which is the highest-ranked they have been in an NCAA Tournament since being ranked No. 1 in 2008.

The team opens with UNC Asheville on Thursday night in Sacramento.

Campbell said the team is focusing on that game instead of thinking about the exciting opportunities that may lie beyond that first round game.

“We think about it but just try to listen to coach,” Campbell said. “It’s one game at a time. All we’re thinking about right now is UNC Asheville and just trying to figure out how we can get a win. It’s a new season.”

Jaquez was named as an AP Second-Team All-American on Tuesday after previously being named All-Pac-12 first team and Pac-12 Player of the Year. Campbell was named to the All-Pac-12 first team for the third time in his career.

“It’s the last chance playing with these guys,” Singleton said. “I feel like there’s a level of urgency that we play with knowing it’s our last time. We know that we can’t take anything for granted. We have to put 100% effort throughout every game of this tournament, starting with UNC Asheville.